5 Best Restaurants in Australia to Book When You’re Craving More Than Just Good Food
I used to think most meals didn’t need much thought. We’d cook at home, keep things simple, and that was usually enough.
But every now and then, my partner and I would end up out for dinner and realise it’s not really about the food at all. It’s the way everything comes together—the pacing of the dishes and how conversations seem to stretch a little longer without effort.
That’s what made it click for me. A good restaurant doesn’t just serve you a meal, it gives you a reason to slow down and actually be present.
So if you’re looking for that kind of experience, these are the best restaurants in Australia to start.
How much does dining at a restaurant in Australia usually cost?
In Australia, a casual restaurant meal usually costs around $20 to $35 per person, while a 3-course meal for 2 at a mid-range restaurant often ranges from $80 to $150.
Fine dining experiences can go beyond $150 per person, especially in major cities like Sydney and Melbourne.
1. Bennelong
Address: Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact Details: +61 2 9240 8000
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
We’ll start with Bennelong, a contemporary restaurant found right inside the Sydney Opera House—and it’s one of those places that instantly feels like a special night out the moment you walk in.
Even when it’s busy, the sound level stays nicely balanced, so you can actually hear each other without leaning in or raising your voice.
The 3-course menu is what most people go for, especially the Eastern Rock Lobster, which clients love and talk about afterwards. And while you’re at it, I suggest getting their Mocktail Vanilla too.
Surprisingly, this restaurant offers a 2-course meal for kids, a thoughtful touch if you’re coming as a family.
Service is genuinely solid as well. The staff here are attentive but not hovering. They seem to know exactly when to step in and when to give you space.
It’s worth noting, though, that Bennelong is definitely on the pricier side.
The oysters were so good, and the ravioli too
“I really loved the food. It was good and well presented. The oysters were so good, and the ravioli too. I can also recommend the Mocktail Vanilla and Passionfruit! But I have to tell you, the best part was the service! Ana Clara has been wonderful, and she makes my birthday night even more exceptional thanks to her five-star service! It was a perfect night, thank you.”
Marie Séron, Google Review
The food is worthy of the Opera House location
“Perfection in a global icon. Food, drink, staff…all aligned in a way that rarely happens. The food is worthy of the Opera House location – we had the 3 course menu in the restaurant, absolutely stunning food presented in a simple and yet beautiful way. Well educated staff on the wine and all of the service personnel were friendly, helpful and just a pleasure to interact with. We had high expectations and the Bennelong exceeded them. A wonderful experience in our iconic Opera House.”
Michael Young, Google Review
2. Rick Shores
Address: 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
Contact Details: +61 7 5630 6611
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
- Friday & Saturday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
If you’re into Pan-Asian flavours paired with an ocean view, then Rick Shores hits the mark. It’s the kind of place people go for a long lunch or sunset dinner, especially because the setting right by the water makes everything feel a bit more laidback.
One thing to keep in mind is how the menu works. For groups of more than 7, you’ll be asked to choose from their set menu.
Meanwhile, smaller groups get the flexibility of à la carte. It honestly suits the style of dining here, since the menu changes quite often depending on what’s local and in season.
A couple of dishes clients rave about are the Yellowfin Tuna Tataki and the Jackfruit Tamarind Curry. In terms of service, customers adore how knowledgeable the waitstaff are, perfect when you’re not sure what to order.
Just a heads up: you’ll need a reservation to dine here at Rick Shores.
Each dish was carefully crafted
“Wasn’t sure what to expect for an Asian fusion restaurant, but was pleasantly surprised. The view is a given, but I thought that each dish was carefully crafted and had a multi-dimensional layer of taste to it. It truly belongs in a different tier, and the one chef’s hat is well deserved. Our server, Adam, was attentive, friendly and made everyone feel comfortable. A must visit if you are on the Gold Coast.”
Michael, Google Review
They explained the menu and even provided suggestions
“Went here for our anniversary, and it was amazing. The staff were so friendly and extremely professional. They explained the menu and even provided suggestions, which we took and definitely didn’t disappoint. The food was great, so flavoursome and fresh. Had a few different dumplings for starters and then the king prawn curry for a main. Had the chocolate cake and chocolate mousse for dessert, and the staff placed a sparkler in the cake for our anniversary, which was a really lovely touch. Will definitely be back.”
Rebecca Russell, Google Review
3. Aalia Restaurant Sydney
Address: Shop 7.07-7.08/25 Martin Pl, Sydney NSW 2000
Contact Details: +61 2 9182 5880
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Aalia Restaurant Sydney brings a really interesting take on Middle Eastern and North African dining, focusing on flavours from lesser-known coastal regions.
What’s nice here is the contrast—the space feels very modern with clean architectural lines and contemporary furnishings, but the dining style still keeps that traditional touch with small plates shared across the table, like a classic Arabic setting.
When it comes to food, the mains are where it really shines. The Lamb Neck Shawarma is rich and full of depth, while the Murray Cod Masgouf offers something lighter but still packed with flavour.
If you’re dining with someone, the Classic Banquet is a great way to experience the sharing culture properly without needing a big group.
The drinks list also gets a lot of attention. Wines like the 2022 Louis Billard and 2023 Giuseppe Quintarelli are part of a well-curated selection, and customers appreciate that there’s a dedicated sommelier to help guide pairings without making it feel intimidating.
That said, some patrons have mentioned concerns around cleanliness, with occasional comments about sticky tables, which can take away from the otherwise refined experience.
A great wine list and a very helpful sommelier to help you through it
“Absolutely world-class. The food is an interesting fusion of Middle Eastern flavours with a Western fine dining twist. Very unique to Aalia and not found elsewhere. The service is fantastic, there is a great wine list and a very helpful sommelier to help you through it.”
Phil Beresford, Google Review
Lucas was a lovely server who explained everything well
“Incredible experience at Aalia! Went for my birthday and had the best time. Delicious food and great service. Lucas was a lovely server who explained everything well. I recommend the lamb neck shawarma, duck, pita and the prawn skewer.”
Kia, Google Review
4. Saint Peter at The Grand National Hotel
Address: 161 Underwood St, Paddington NSW 2021
Contact Details: +61 2 9167 3703
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM
- Thursday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Saint Peter at The Grand National Hotel is for the seafood lovers out there who really enjoy it in a refined, slightly intimate hotel setting.
One thing that clients value is the restaurant’s limited menu. Expect it to be simple, so you’re not overwhelmed with choices—just a focused selection that makes the decision-making quick and easy.
Sadly, it might not suit those who prefer lots of variety or enjoy comparing multiple options before ordering.
On the other hand, the experience here is shaped by the team working the floor. The wait staff are genuinely engaging and take time to explain the story behind each dish.
When it comes to food, the Salt and Vinegar Line Caught Blue Mackerel is a go-to, along with their Southern Calamari.
Just take note that several dishes here lean on the saltier side, so if you’re pretty sensitive to sodium, you’d better mention it to the kitchen.
The pairings and flavours work so well together
“Amazing from start to finish, one of the best meals I have eaten in my life, if not the best. It’s great to see a menu being so carefully curated that’s sustainable and totally fish and seafood based. The pairings and flavours work so well together but also the wine menu and cocktail list is just impeccable. Service was friendly but not overly pushy or too casual. Great to see also fish being incorporated into the desserts and it works very well. No complaints, looking forward to going back hopefully soon.”
Al, Google Review
The chef has crafted a menu that is incredibly well balanced
“We celebrated our 10-year anniversary and it was truly dining at its finest. The atmosphere with exceptional service from start to finish. Every dish was beautifully plated, with such care and attention to detail. The courses felt like a thoughtfully curated journey — just when the flavours became rich and indulgent, a refreshing sorbet appeared to perfectly reset the palate. The chef has crafted a menu that is incredibly well balanced, showcasing both creativity and restraint. An unforgettable experience in every sense.”
Ivana Wang, Google Review
5. Barragunda
Address: 113 Cape Schanck Rd, Cape Schanck VIC 3939
Contact Details: +61 3 8644 4050
Operating Hours:
- Monday, Friday & Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:30 PM
- Saturday: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Barragunda is a small, intimate 40-seat restaurant where everything feels closely tied to the land around it. It’s a true farm-to-table experience, with a strong focus on sustainability and close collaboration with local producers and winemakers.
Imagine sitting in this calm, cosy dining room, while just outside there’s a thriving market garden that you can actually see as you eat.
On top of that, there are kangaroos roaming in the distance, which adds this very distinctly Australian touch to the whole experience.
The only catch is that they also serve set menus, so there’s no à la carte option.
Nonetheless, it works with the concept since everything is designed to be shared and centred around seasonal produce—vegetables leading the way, Black Angus beef, and seafood from Wildlife Fisheries making up the rest.
It all ties back to how the experience is designed as a whole. Service is friendly and attentive, though patrons have noted the pacing can feel a little quick, with dishes arriving in close succession.
All produce served is sourced locally and/or from onsite farm
“Great new location for high-end special occasion dining on the peninsula. All produce served is sourced locally and/or from onsite farm + nursery + vegetable garden. Set menu changes according to what’s available at the time & in season. Def recommend a special treat.”
Ben Talbot, Google Review
The staff are lovely and welcoming, and you feel right at home
“This restaurant is quite incredible. A real 10/10 experience from the moment you walk in. It’s so beautiful, the staff are lovely and welcoming, and you feel right at home. And then you get your food. The plates are like works of art and the food is delicious. An amazing selection of different flavours from their vege garden for starters, paddock to plate for mains and local dairy products for dessert. I loved the local feel of this place. A great catch with friends and a delicious glass of wine. What a perfect day.”
Sophie Paterson, Google Review